Brutal, Samurai Action RPG Available to Try from 26th April to 5th May; Exclusive ‘The Mark of the Conqueror’ DLC for Final Game to be Awarded to Players Who Complete a Stage

Hertfordshire, 26th April 2016—KOEI TECMO Europe today announced the launch of the highly anticipated Alpha Demo for its dark, samurai action RPG, Nioh. Developed exclusively for release on the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, this limited-time demo is only available to play and download via the PlayStation®Store from today until the 5th of May. On the 6th of May, players will no longer be able to download or access the Alpha Demo for Nioh.

Between 26th April and 5th May, gamers have a rare chance to experience the dark setting and intense samurai combat of Nioh via access to two diverse stages. Upon coming ashore a small island near the village of Usuki, in the first stage the player encounters the remains of a fishing village set aflame by a mysterious invasion. In the following stage, demonic beings from the Yokai realm run rampant in Dazaifu, which has controlled western regions since ancient times.

Throughout the demo, the player will be challenged in a unique way guaranteed to heighten their sense of accomplishment. To overcome the brutal foes that lie in wait, players are able to test out three close-combat weapon classes—the spear, axe, and the trusty katana—allowing them to find the armament that best suits their play style. A symbol of the samurai, the katana excels in attacking and defensive manoeuvres, and allows for powerful and varied special moves. The spear—the weapon of choice on the battlefields of Japanese civil wars—not only allows for a variety of long-range thrust attacks, but can also knock down surrounding enemies. And while the massive weight and long handle of the axe may be difficult to wield, the damage caused is greater that of any other weapon.

All players who complete a stage of the demo will be rewarded with ‘The Mark of the Conqueror’ DLC from the PlayStation®Store, which will contain exclusive in-game content for Nioh at launch. In addition, an online survey will be launched after the demo is released on Tuesday, 26th April, where players are welcomed and encouraged to leave their feedback on the game. An original wallpaper for smartphones will be available exclusively to those who complete the survey to thank them for their time. Players can access the survey here: http://www.gamecity.ne.jp/form/nioh_uk

In Nioh, players will traverse war-torn Japan as William, a blonde-haired swordsman whose background as a fierce warrior and seasoned knowledge of the blade allows him to survive in the demon-plagued land of the samurai. Players will also face off with other samurai in supernatural sword battles and intense, multi-target engagements offering a level of difficulty that will truly test even the most hardened samurai’s skills, patience, and strategy. Under the direction of Kou Shibusawa, Hisashi Koinuma, and the team that defined brutal action games, Team NINJA, Nioh is being created—as Kou Shibusawa put it—“with the entire power of Koei Tecmo,” and is guaranteed to challenge players in a way that makes every mission and accomplishment feel earned and worthwhile.

The demo, available to download now, can be found on the PlayStation Store here.